India was never really at the top of my travel bucket list. Although renowned for being the birthplace of many spiritual practices that I subscribe to, there were just too many stories from other travelers that painted a rather unflattering picture of the place. Thankfully, times have changed, and although there are still the obvious dangers and inconveniences that still pepper many an India trip tale, I finally decided to really try something new and out of my comfort zone and booked a trip in January. On the plane ride over, I came to realize that not only was it a new year, it was the year of the Water Snake-symbolizing rebirth, and, the kundalini  (a powerful energy that sits dormant in one’s body until it’s awakened) is often represented in the shape of a snake. I took this all to mean that this trip could be highly transformative and that I should do things I would normally not do. All the negative voices prior to my trip from well-meaning friends of what to expect or be wary of, I cancelled out; if I was going into something already thinking of the worst that could happen, then I’d probably be inviting that kind of experience.

Having this kind of attitude, I feel, is what made this trip far removed from  some of the horror stories I had been inundated with and I am grateful. Sure, not everything was seamless, I don’t think I will ever get used to the maniacal weaving and highly defensive driving on the streets, but that was, I learned to accept, all part of the flavor that was India. Delhi, the country’s capital, had both the old, the very, very old, and the new. There were massive malls, smaller shopping complexes with fabulous home accessories, fabrics and even food as well as open-air bazaars that consisted of a lot of bargaining and hours of cajoling, begging, and even minor flirtation to get a beautifully spun pashmina for less. I do not posses the fine art of making tawad so it was an exercise in patience for me to watch my friends stand their ground and slice prices away until they felt satisfied and happy with their purchases. My reward at the end of the day was a good meal, and Delhi did not disappoint. Although I wouldn’t recommend street food to the uninitiated, there are many reputable restaurants and cafes that serve authentic local cuisine and western cuisine (should your taste buds not run towards the hot and spicy).

Two lovely Delhi discoveries: the whole of Good Earth in Kahn Market that had everything from clothes, accessories, beauty products, home interiors, fabrics and a beautifully decorated café on the top floor; and the very impressive Parliament Area where all the government institutions are situated. The latter is not the India you expect and is awesome in every way, from its architecture, its greenery and, well, its overall area size, stretching down almost until India Wall.

The rest of the trip was more than just incredible, it was incredibly surprising. I stuck to my guns and tried something new every day, from a super-spicy Tamil-inspired chicken dish (so good, yet so painful to eat) that brought tears to my eyes in Udaipur to taking a stab at printing on cloth in a factory in Jaipur. There were close encounters of the animal kind with me sitting right alongside a snake charmer in Amber Fort in Agra and very tepidly bringing my hand to lightly brush the scales of the cobra as it hissed at me. A rather vertigo-inducing and bumpy elephant ride wedged in between other elephants in Jaipur (offering throat-clenching views) below was unforgettable, and a must for anyone, although I have to admit hearing some of the tourists scream so close to the edge of the road was very amusing. In between the tourist treasures and traps I got my fill of beautiful silk and cotton fabrics, Ayurvedic healing oils, artisanal crafts such as a marble table inlaid with crystals and delicately painted images set on camel bone. A local pastime that I was fortunate enough to experience twice was an Indian wedding, with proverbial bells, whistles, mountains of food and a groom in full regalia mounted on a white steed that seemed to be encrusted in the remains of a disco ball. Both weddings happened on the grounds of two different hotels in two different cities, one much grander than the other with revelry that went on all throughout the night. I imagined that the picture taking alongside the bride and groom must have filled a couple of hours. One couple was even on a stage on a couch and guests had to come up one by one (or in some cases, per family) to have their portraits professionally taken. To wax on about everything I saw, heard, smelled, tasted, touch would probably take way more space than this column allows, India is to be experienced, not just read about. It would be an injustice to simplify what this country can offer in mere words and images.

A trip to India is a trip to heighten the senses, all of them, sometimes all at the same time. There may be those who find this kind of intense stimulation invasive and abrasive, but for those who are ready to embrace it, this land of contrasts can make any other trip pale very much in comparison.

Vested interest. Linen and beaded vest made by the T’boli.

The devil is in the details as the saying goes, and in fashion, a series of beads strategically placed can make all the difference from turning simple into something truly special. It was the attention to detail and fabric that caught my eye when I spotted an old friend, Len Cabili, sporting a colorful jacket at a party. Looking closely at it, I was reminded of the prints and patterns of the traditional garb I often saw in pictures worn by those hailing from the region of Mindanao. It turned out, her jacket was not only inspired by the malongs worn by the Maranao, but were also made by them. Cabili, who founded Filip+Inna clothes in 2011 (although she started making them in 2010) grew up in Iligan City in Mindanao. “As a child, I remember how I loved to watch my mom dress up for special occasions, the Maranaos  would sometime come to our home in their colorful malongs. It made such a lasting impact on me — I learned to appreciate fashion and tradition. Then I took up my BS in clothing technology at the UP Diliman,” she says.

Tboli twist. Get a little tribal color in an Anya dress

Although Cabili confesses she has to “wear many hats” as founder and creative designer, she credits a true collaboration between her and the artisans from the different indigenous groups around the Philippines, stating that “they are the reason why I put up the brand.” This collaboration is what gives Filip+Inna creative exclusitivity and excellence. The clothes are made by different groups and the clothes travel wherever the group is, traditional meets contemporary as both “old” and new are intertwined in the designs. Everything is handmade, so you are guaranteed a one-of-a-kind piece. This unique stamp also brings Filipino culture to the forefront especially when viewed by overseas or foreign buyers. “I love looking at the traditional textiles, clothes and accessories of the
different indigenous groups,” says Cabili. “We are such creative
people  and we have a rich culture — the stage is set for the design, when people look at the clothes they will look for the inspiration behind it and see the Philippine culture.”

Mindanao metallics. The Subi jacket can put the shine on any outfit.

One can choose to make a statement such as wearing the Hiroko (P12,500-P18,500), a floor-length kaftan made from Thai silk with full embroidery, all done by hand by the Tboli, can grace any formal occasion and turn heads. Or something a little more subtle like the Tboli vest (P3,000) also inspired by the Tboli which can turn a casual outfit into something a little more cutting edge. One bestseller is the Anya dress (P13,500) made out of cotton chambray, while those who favor pants to dresses would love the colorful dynamic of  the Petra pants (P6,500-P8,500) in linen. For a cool cover-up, the Subi jacket (P5,500-P7,500) which is also fully beaded on metallic linen is a great travel-worthy addition to your closet. Locally, the clothes are already gaining recognition as they are quite unforgettable, but Filip+Inna has also been recently picked up by Atelier360 for their store in Connecticut and carried online via www.Indagare.com in the US.

Down south. Petra pants to dress your lower half.

For 2013 the designer looks forward to launching her first full collection this month. “We’ve been doing capsule collections for two years! Next is something for men, and then hopefully a children’s line by late 2013.” Each piece will be part of a collector’s series, almost like an artwork with tags showing the number of series as there are limited runs of each item color and design. Getting your hands on something truly Filipino could be akin to finding national treasure.

Indigenous infusion. Floor length fully beaded Hiroko kaftan

For more information on Filip+Inna, visit www.filipinna.com. Also available at Itsie-Bitsie in Joya Towers, Rockwell, Makati.

Have a VERY happy 2013!

It seems we’ve survived, not only another Christmas season, but the much-talked-about “end of the world” scheduled for December 2012. So, since this can be looked upon (like any new year) as a fresh start, it’s almost time to whip out your wishlist for yourself once more. Wishlists are lovely to write, but when it involves taking action to achieve certain goals or desires, the task gets either too daunting, too tedious, or too impossible and the excuse list overtakes the actual wish list. Perhaps you can do things a little differently this year to ensure that you can give yourself a pat on a back for a job well done when 2014 rolls around. Here’s what you can do:

1. People making lists. Really map out how you would like to see yourself in each quarter of the year. If that still seems a little too “long” to plan ahead, then start with a month-to-month goal of what it is you would like to experience or see happen in your life (i.e., the most common is losing weight or getting back in shape after the all-out feasting during the Christmas season). So list something like: “January 2013, start weighing myself every day” which could become a regular part of your mornings and keep you aware of how much you should or shouldn’t eat that whole day.

2. Picture perfect. Visualization techniques work when they are attached to a certain emotion — normally elation and excitement. Take the time to really get a visionboard going. Again, write down what you want and when you want it achieved by, go through magazines with photos of how you want you and your life to look and put it somewhere you can always see it. If you share a space, then you can simply tack a mantra up on your bathroom mirror so you can see it every day like, “Today I will put aside X amount of my salary so I can travel to X by June 2013” for example. You can also put this as a Post-it note on your laptop, or agenda book, or even on your phone. Pictures truly help! When you see an image of what you want, your heart and head kick in raising your adrenaline and making you “feel” what it would be like to be at your desired life station.

3. Peer pressure. Want to hold true to your word? Tell a close friend or family member who isn’t afraid to speak the truth to you and someone you trust and respect. Why? Because he or she can gently and not-so-gently remind you when you are off-track and also be your cheerleader when you are heading slowly but surely toward your goal. I recently told a friend that I wanted to get into shape for a trip to Hawaii and, boy, he held me to my word. Aside from telling me to text him my weight every day (photo included of the scale) I also had to tell him what I was eating. Trust me, there is nothing like having someone on your back reminding you that you promised yourself to do something. I am grateful, a bit annoyed at times, but so far, so good.

4. Do cluedo. They say success leaves clues. This rings true even with short-term goals. If you wish to start your own business in 2013 then invest a little in expanding your network somewhat as well as your education. Have someone in mind that you’d like to emulate, or a business idea, and see if you can find a way to get more information on how that business came to be. If the owner or founder of the company is in the country then it takes less than six degrees of separation to find your way to him or her. If they are not available (or even no longer alive) then use the power of the Internet to research any book they may have written or interview they have given. See what is possible for you to follow, or even improve on, and with this kind of inspiration, coupled with visualizing, then you’ll have a pretty strong incentive to stick to what you want to do.

5. Belief work. First and foremost, before you even get down to sticking to any resolution, you have to honestly believe that you can do it. Life in general can get in the way, as can friends with well-intentioned jabs at this all-new, focused, seemingly-inflexible you. Keep your eye on the prize and know that yes, you can do anything you set your heart and mind to, especially if it’s for the good of a lot more other people. If it’s all about you, then you may not be enough at times to see it through, but if you keep the bigger picture in mind — like say, you get to save enough money, so much so you can bring someone you really love with you on your next trip — then you have a bigger chance of sticking to your goals and just smilingly drowning out all the other “noise” around you.

2013 can absolutely be your year, in every respect. Just take the first step and see you at journey’s end. Here’s to a happy, happier you!

(The Philippine Star) | Updated December 28, 2012 – 12:00am

Red-y to wear. A heart shaped minaudiere

It was back in 2008 that the name Michelline Syjuco first crossed my editorial life. I was then EIC for one of the country’s biggest glossies and my team and I were doing our first Holiday Shopping Special. There was a rather boldly constructed cuff that was unfortunately mislabeled as someone else’s when the magazine went to print, prompting a rather dismayed letter from Syjuco, correcting us for our error. Understanding the sensitivity of an artist having worked so hard on a creation, only to not be credited for it, I personally called her to apologize, was forgiven, and since then (although well-deserved) both she and her work were regular features in our magazine and events. Prior to her “mis”-feature  she first got noticed, not by fashion insiders, but a well respected member of the art world. National Artist Napoleon Abueva spotted her at an event wearing one of her sculptures as a bracelet. He admired it and urged her to continue and come up with a whole line. He then recommended her to be a part of a jewelry show featuring the top designers from Manila.

Crimson clutches: Handpainted and embellished with automatic watch parts

Since then, Syjuco, who comes from a family of artists including parents Cesare and Jean Marie, has been ubiquitous in the fashion, art and social scene. Some may remember her exhibit as one of the Ateneo Art Award finalists, or a more recent family collaboration at the Yuchengco Museum. Her jewelry, known for its almost medieval-like influences, are solid pieces often encrusted with semi-precious gems spiraling around different metal mediums and are not for the fashion faint-hearted. Recently, she has expanded her design wings to produce a line of  minaudieres, perfectly timed for the arrival of the holiday season, where bling is always very much in. Michelline Syjuco’s sculptural minaudiere collecion for 2013 consists of 14 pieces, all handmade in her studio in Alabang. Each one is distinctly different, they are made from recycled pinewood crates using pure stainless steel as hardware. For a twist, she incorporated old automatic watch parts, like gears and knobs. “This is a look that I feel has never been done before,” explains Syjuco. “Most minaudieres tend to be traditional. This is a fresh alternative to the norm.” Although all the pieces hold a special place in her heart she admits that her favorite one is “the one that looks like a little red transistor radio. He is so cute, and was a pain to produce. I must have repainted him five times before finally getting the finish I wanted.”

Scene steel-er. Wood and stainless steel works of art

Syjuco admits that she designs for herself primarily, making things that she would wear herself. “I think of women who are bold and daring… not afraid to stand out or be in the spotlight,” she explains. Aside from her artist father, she looks to the late Alexander McQueen as an inspiration. “He could do it all!” she gushes. “And that’s what I want to do as well.” Her minaudieres are both functional and decorative, as each comes with a custom-made easel should you wish to display them instead of wear them. For those who are already fans of her art the design detour was a little shocking but not far-fetched. Like most free-spirited artists, being stereotyped is death, and she continues to express her multi-faceted personality in everything she creates, choosing to focus on one expression of it at a time. “Sometimes it’s hard to get the creative juices flowing just like that, but once I find something I’m passionate about, it’s hard to stop me,” she intimates. “I was actually supposed to do a jewelry line for the Cura V show, but I just wasn’t feeling it. I came up with the idea to do a few minaudieres, and I was so excited about the idea that I couldn’t even sleep more than a few hours a night.”

Shaped and styled. Uniquely formed statment pieces.

Owning a work of art, especially made by a local talent, is always a worthy investment. If your tastes run to wearable art, then a standout sculptural piece may be just what you need to make what you wear this season more stylish than usual.

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The minaudiére collecion is available in Cura V, 2/F Power Plant Mall, Rockwell. Prices per piece range from P15,000-P25,000. For more details visit www.michellinesyjuco.com.

Listomania: Creativity helps to shift your outlook on life.

1. Joyful journaling. You may be a child of the techie age, so if the keyboard is mightier than the sword for you than an e-journal over a traditional one can work. Although, there still is something to be said for putting pen to paper and actually seeing your words come to life as the ink sinks in. Try writing five things to be grateful for every morning; they can be as basic as “I’m grateful that I have a bed to sleep on” to “I’m grateful it’s Friday today.” Seriously, as trivial as that sounds, it just takes a quick glance at the news to see how many people don’t even have something solid to rest their head on at day’s end, or that some people have to work all week long, and haven’t had a proper weekend in ages. If the usual blank page seems intimidating for those who never saw themselves as “writing” then get creative with something that gives you a little more instruction on spicing up your life’s chronicles. Keri Smith’s Wreck This Journal (P549) is an edgier, fun way to edit your existence. Five is the bare minimum by the way; if you’re having a particular good day, why would you want to let that go unforgotten? There is always something — rather, many things  — to be thankful for, all you need to do is spend some time remembering what they are! Start off in the morning, before you bounce out of bed to give your whole day an early thumbs-up.

2. The New Normal. Know and acknowledge that you are human and that you are subject to mood swings and petty emotions at times. Not worth beating up yourself if you find yourself feeling a twinge of envy when your best friend rocks your world with some great news. Sure you may feel the “When is it going to happen to me?” vibe creep up on you, or worse, “Why her and not me?” and feel terrible after doing so; but don’t fret, jealous is normal. Yes, you heard me, normal. Maybe not natural, but normal, so if you feel that towards someone else the best thing to do is realize that yeah, okay, you’re jealous and then make every effort to be okay with it. Everyone deserves a break, and who more deserving then someone you care about? Be mindful that there is so much abundance in the world, if you think your friend is reaping all this spectacular juju and there will be none left for you then you are sorely mistaken. Great things come to those who are ready for it, so if you can be happy for others then you open the doors for happiness to come flooding into your own life, oftentimes when you least expect it. So, the next time someone comes up with you to share some happy news, you can shift your attitude to “Well, if it can happen to her, then it can also happen to me!” because it truly can.

3. Liquid love. Did you know that what you drink can also help what you think? Following the research and findings of Japanese scientist Dr. Masauro Emoto from his best-selling book The Hidden Messages in Water (P699), we learn that the way you hydrate yourself can impact your all-around health. The book is a quick read, with lots of pictures to show just how dramatic the state of a water molecule can change depending on the words said, thoughts projected, and even music played to it. Emoto would freeze these molecules to show just how beautiful or at times repulsive they would transform when exposed to abovementioned stimuli. Among all the words that were experimented with, “love” and “gratitude” produced the most stunning water crystals. You may wonder, what does this have to do with you? Well, your body is 70 percent water, so be aware of what you say, think and expose yourself to. Personally, aside of being more in touch with my mental input and output, I asked a friend to print out the words “love and gratitude” on coasters and my personal beverage tumbler, so whatever I drink imbibes that energy.

Waterworld: How you hydrate can change your state

Some of these tips may sound a little hokey to you, but they cost next to nothing to do and could possibly be your turning point to achieving a true thanksgiving spirit.

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Scrub the stress away with these energizing salts.

Wednesday is also known as humpday and I’m wondering if that’s because people actually experience a figurative speedbump in their energy levels mid-week. It seems that you’ve just gotten revved up workwise Monday and Tuesday but Wednesday starts to bring thoughts of end of workweek deadlines and the much needed rest you are looking forward to over the weekend. It seems uncanny but are there days when you feel that you take work home with you a little too much? Not just files or research material but even the issues of other people from colleagues and whatnots that seem to way heavily on your body and skin? If you’ve ever felt that way  then I would highly recommend investing in a kickass body scrub that can make you feel like literally peeling off the negativity when you bathe.

The Dead Sea has been known for its healing properties, with many a pilgrim going there for a soak in order to cleanse. Salt, when non-iodized and its purest form is considered a purifier, so you can imagine what kind of benefits one gets when using a scrub which incorporates dead sea salt. Jericho Energizing Salt Scrub with Dead Sea Salt and Aromatic Oil  (from Php 2,200-3,600 depending on the size) is a great product to have as part of your in-home spa. (If you haven’t started your in-home spa yet, you should-for a quick fix when you don’t have time to go to a real spa). If you’ve never tried a scrub this would be a good one to begin with, although I recommend you use it in the morning or mid-day rather than before going to sleep.

The consistency may feel a little sticky but the scrub itself is great for hard to reach places and make sure focus on skin areas that receive the most impact like the soles and heels of your feet, knees and elbows. It’s also a good idea to get your lymphatic system a charge my concentrating on areas that are prone to sweat like your armpits and inner thigh (groin region).  A good ‘ol srub once a week (max of 2x a week) is good overall to exfoliate deadskin cells, giving you brighter more illuminated skin as well as improving your circulation. Plus, you can mentally imagine that you are scrubbing away bad juju (from nega vibes and nega people) that sometimes feel like they’ve gotten stuck on you. Wash all that anxiety go down the drain and enjoy the feeling of coming out of your bathing ritual in a brand new “skin”.

Jericho Cosmetics are found in kiosks in SM Megamall, Mall of Asia, Eastwood Mall, Alabang Town Center, Marquee Mall, SM Pampanga and SM North Edsa.

Tie dye for. tanya b hot yoga separates

Yoga teacher Tanya Boulton and textile expert Karen Ulmander wanted to develop a product that people could live in, resulting in clothing line Tanya-b. “Tanya-b reaches to those that are taking care of themselves, work, family, and friends all at the same time. We live such fast-paced lives that we wanted to create apparel that would keep up with the demands of versatility on a fashionable and functional level. People should feel good in the clothes they wear,” explains the design pair. Their newest collection consists of strong colors in their tie-dye halter tops (P3,450) that can be paired with either bright or neutral colored capris or full-length leggings (prices range from P2,250-3,450). With lives set to manic and multi-tasking mode nowadays, comfort is definitely key and even though these may be a little too casual for the office they could work for those last-minute errand run situations.

Olive Essentials. Tops and dresses for anyday wear.

Local brand Olive Essentials, which first launched through a series of trunk shows, has consistently produced easy-to-wear (and literally throw-on) separates, including the Gigi dress (P1,100) which is great for maximum movement. This brand keeps comfort in mind but has designed pieces that can easily make you shift from fitness freak to fit and chic. The Emy top (available in black or gray, P650) can be used as a cool cover-up or worn alone. There is also a Twist Wrap top (P850) that makes for an interesting detail when layered over a favorite T, tank or even dressier outfit. If you’re not ready to go full-on sporty you can pick and choose a few pieces from this collection and add them to what’s already in your closet. Their dresses all have different, interesting details such as an asymmetrical silhouette although they can be quite loose so you may want to use a belt if you prefer having a more defined waist.

Exhale forever. Infinity scarf for easy layering.

Another line made with yogis in mind by a yoga practitioner, Exhale, is a brand that has created multiwear dresses (that can be shortened and twisted) as well as rompers and playsuits that allow you to cinch them at the waist. They have also come up with beautiful face- and shoulder-framing scarves (Infinity P850) designed to look like the infinity symbol when worn. Coming in bright colors, it is a refreshing option from the more earthy (and often dull) colors that these types of clothes are normally found in. In this day and age, gone is the matching tracksuit made popular by rap superstars or Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria (although they still seem to slip through the fashion sensors every now and then) that defined sporty style, replaced with more wearable, breathable fabrics and styles. In this day and age, being fit and active is “in,” so subtly showing off that you just came from a workout or a yoga/Pilates session amps your attraction meter. The urban lifestyler, the weekend warrior or the city athlete now has many more options to keep on moving, with clothes that move the way you live.

Yoga outside the ashram. Get clothes that move with you.

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All Things Yoga Boutique will be on sale starting Nov. 15 for a limited time at its two locations in Urban Ashram Manila High Street, Fort Bonifacio and Brixton, Kapitolyo. For more details log on to: www.urbanashrammanila.com/yoga-boutique.

Let your skin look hassle-free for the holidays.

Holidays can be glorious respites from anyone’s day to day but they are not without their stresses. A three-week vacay had me across the globe immersed in different climates and timezones. Jetlag is nobody’s friend and I’ve contented myself with working when I can’t sleep. So, lack of adequate shut eye, added to squinted eyes working late nights have not done my skin any favors. Not to mention hopping from one plane to another (freezing) then out into the searing heat of the summer sun can really let the sins of the skin out. Having normal/oily combination skin has pretty much saved me throughout my youth, but in the twilight of my thirties, I have noticed that there are some expression lines, ok, wrinkles that are here to stay. Having just gotten back and still battling with a messed-up bodyclock, I’ve had to soldier through meetings and even two shoots (close-ups at that) and realized that my simple routine of cleanse, tone and moisturize is no longer enough. Based on a friend’s recommendation I gave the very straightforwardly-named “Restorative Instant Wrinkle Smoothing Cream” from  Céleteque DermoScience a whirl.

I smoothed on the cream right after my moisturizer and was pleased to see that even if it felt rich it wasn’t greasy and heavy on my skin. I focused on two areas of my face, the frown line between by eyebrows and another prominent line above my left eyebrow. I guess my years of squinting at my laptop screen had finally caught up.  The product (Php 699 suggested retail price) comes in a  15mL travel friendly size tube and is tested to be non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. I put on my make-up and went through my day. That same night, I decided to put it over my entire face and neck since I liked its texture anyway. Over the weekend this Instant Wrinkle Smoothing Cream was part of my vanity routine and I did notice that the two areas I had focused on had indeed reduced, quite rapidly in appearance. They didn’t seem to be as deep as before (especially the one in between my eyebrows which can be quite pronounced) and even the one above my left eyebrow was barely visible. Suffice to say when I showed up at my shoot several days later I was told I looked “fresh” even without make-up on, and having come from a late night from work, that was a truly ego-boosting compliment!

This is a cream I’m definitely going to stock up on, keeping one at home, and one in the office, in case I need to go from a convention to cocktail and works really well with my concealer. Since it contains Phytocelltec^TM-which helps the longevity of skin cells to combat skin aging, and Collaxyl, a collagen peptide ingredient, I am confident that I can keep my skin looking as youthful as possible, in spite of my rather hectic lifestyle for years to come!

And yes, they actually took my picture and quoted me Everyone has a model moment, and hopefully more than just one!

Instant and long term effect on wrinkle reduction in a tube from Celeteque!

Best selling Kennedy in brown. Happy birthday Mr. President?

Another component is that they incorporate TAC polarized lenses are made from recycled polycarbonate materials, making them lightweight and yes, also environ-friendly all around.

Natural bamboo colors make a fine statement. Martin in Natural shade.

There are several styles and shades that still highlight the fine wood detail. Giving them a design edge that plastic or metal cannot compare with. Mother Nature certainly knows best!

Black beauty. Nelson black shades still show of fine wood detail.

Price-wise, all models are at a pocket friendly Php 6,000 a pop, almost half of what more commercial brands cost. Plus, Panda is a company with a conscience; every purchase provides the Gift of Vision through the TOMA Foundation, an international non-profit organization that donates glasses to people in need.

Crusoe would have needed these. Robinson in brown.

The basics are certainly covered for those concerned that although they are for the green-minded (and hearted) fashionista, as these lightweight frames have  100% UVA/UVB Protected lenses, are water resistant and yes, as I said before, they float in water so great for clumsy adventurers like myself!

Channel your screen siren, with an eco-friendly edge. Monroe in Natural.

So, as we have to now live with global warming, wouldn’t it make sense to use accessories that protect your peepers from the sun yet that are Mother Earth considerate at the same time? Shades of glory for sure!

Panda Sunglasses are available exclusively online and can be delivered right to your door from http://www.ava.ph

More non-invasive ways to save face are available nowadays.

It’s there, you see it (or at least I do) when I’m not conscious about it, the dreaded double chin. Some attribute it to age while others blame one too many (Last na, promise!) pieces of chicharon. Regardless of the real cause, I find that gravity can be at its cruelest when a once-defined face begins to show a little droop. Many women have whined poetic about sagging in all the wrong places (there actually isn’t any right place) but it’s different when it happens right underneath even the brightest smile, and for the semi or very vain, it makes looking at some pictures unbearable.

There are, of course, surgical options, but that seemed a little too extreme to go under the knife for just that, so I asked around for other options that were less invasive and hopefully effective. First off, actual diet and exercise to lessen the fat intake and for overall toning and firmness which, yes, if done properly can include the face. Personal trainer Wawa Feliciano recommends a daily exercise of stretching and strengthening neck and even facial muscles. This takes three to five minutes a day and is best done in the morning or right before going to bed. Stand comfortably with your feet together and your hands by your sides, shoulders relaxed and as far away from your ears as possible. Then lower your chin to your chest and rotate gently to your left and raise your neck up as high as you can without straining, then rotate back down to your chest and do the same thing to your right. Doing this often helps activate those not-often-used muscles and minimizes the appearance of a double chin.

A new product on the market (and only distributed by dermatologists) is NewPeptin’s Reduchin Double Chin and Neck Cream, which promises to restore elasticity and firmness to the skin. Containing anti-aging peptides, it also promises to reduce wrinkles at the same time. Being paraben-free, this is great for those who want to stick to the path of more natural treatments. It is also recommended for accentuating the contours of the chin and results can be seen with regular application between six to eight weeks. Added bonus as it doubles as a moisturizer since it has a strong concentration of vitamins A, B, C and E. A double chin and “turkey” neck, it has been found, is caused by a change in the calcium gradient in the skin and a loss of skin tone and elasticity due to the loosening of skin tissue. These changes, coupled with continuous movements of the head, eventually cause small, gradual drops in the skin’s tone and elasticity, which eventually become apparent.

If a quick fix and more dramatic results are needed, then invest in some high-powered RF or radio frequency. Several clinics and dermatologists offer several kinds of services that do this. One is the Endymed treatment at Dra. Amy Patdu’s clinic (tel. 818-2698), which involves multiple energy sources working simultaneously. This results in a totally safe delivery of controlled heat deep into the skin, while preserving the overlying epidermis. It works, and it works fast, plus it only takes about 10 minutes a session depending on the area that needs firming and lifting. You can even do a comparison mid-treatment and have the therapist or the doctor performing the treatment show you the before and after effects right then and there. Other clinics offer even more dramatic treatments, which sometimes require local anesthesia application such as Thermage and Ulthera, the two top treatments found at Aivee Teo’s Skin and Laser Clinic (tel. 403-3245). It would be best to consult your current dermatologist or a recommended skin clinic before trying out any of these treatments.

Chin-up, it’s not too late for a little contouring from a fitness move to radio frequency you can look forward to some facial redefinition.

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NewPeptin Products are available at Renergy located at Serendra, Bonifactio High Street, Taguig; tel. no. 901-1918 and The Skin Specialist in Timog, Quezon City; 0917-8101319.